Can You Wash Jeans in a Washing Machine?
Yes — jeans are machine washable, but how you wash them decides whether they keep their deep colour and shape or fade into a saggy mess. The golden rules are simple: wash inside out, in cold water, and not too often. Denim doesn’t need washing after every wear; every 4–5 wears (or when visibly dirty) is plenty.
What You Need
- Mild liquid detergent
- Cold water setting
- A laundry bag for raw or dark-dye denim (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Turn the jeans completely inside out to protect the outer surface.
- Zip up zips and fasten buttons so they don’t snag other clothes.
- Wash with similar dark colours, not with whites or light fabrics.
- Select a cold, gentle cycle with a medium spin.
- Use a small amount of liquid detergent — powder can leave residue on dark denim.
- Remove and reshape the jeans as soon as the cycle ends.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t use hot water — it fades colour and can shrink the fit.
- Don’t over-wash; frequent washing wears out denim faster.
- Don’t use bleach or harsh stain removers on coloured denim.
- Don’t tumble dry on high heat, which shrinks and stiffens jeans.
Drying Tips
Air dry jeans inside out by hanging them from the waistband or over a rod. Keep them out of strong direct sunlight, which bleaches the dye unevenly. If you prefer a dryer, use low heat and remove them while slightly damp, then hang to finish — this protects the elastane and keeps the fit.
Useful Reads & Where to Shop
Cold washing protects more than just jeans — the same logic helps when washing black clothes without fading. If you’re unsure of your machine’s cold-wash settings, our LG washing machine guide walks through the cycle options.